Charles Krug Winery

Charles Krug holds the distinction of being the oldest winery in Napa Valley, founded in 1861 by Prussian immigrant Charles Krug with the encouragement of Agoston Haraszthy, the Hungarian nobleman often called the father of California viticulture. Krug built his winery on 540 acres of land in St. Helena, using a small cider press to produce the region's first commercial wines. The estate passed through several hands before being purchased by Cesare Mondavi in 1943, and it has been operated by the Mondavi family ever since, making it one of the longest-running family operations in the valley.

The estate encompasses 850 acres across several vineyard sites in and around St. Helena, giving the winemaking team access to a remarkable diversity of soils and exposures. The home ranch on Highway 29 includes some of the oldest continuously cultivated vineyard land in Napa Valley. The Mondavi family, led by Peter Mondavi Jr. and Marc Mondavi (sons of Peter Sr., Robert's brother), has invested steadily in replanting, modernizing, and improving the vineyards while preserving the estate's historic structures.

Winemaker Stacy Clark works with this broad palette to produce a range of wines that spans from everyday drinking to reserve-quality bottlings. The flagship Vintage Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, first produced in 1944, has one of the longest track records of any California wine. The portfolio also includes strong Merlot, Pinot Noir from Carneros vineyards, and a Sauvignon Blanc that offers genuine value. The style tends toward classical restraint rather than modern opulence, which makes sense for an estate rooted in 160+ years of tradition.

The tasting room occupies the historic Carriage House on the estate, a beautiful stone building that has been carefully restored. Visitors can choose from several tasting experiences, including a historical tour that covers the estate's role in Napa Valley's founding era. The grounds are expansive and family-friendly, with picnic areas shaded by century-old trees. At $45 for a standard tasting, Charles Krug offers some of the best value in St. Helena.

Charles Krug's significance extends beyond its own wines. It was here that Robert Mondavi learned winemaking before leaving to start his own legendary winery in 1966, a family split that became one of the most consequential events in Napa Valley history. Visiting Charles Krug is visiting the place where modern Napa Valley began, and the Mondavi family's continued stewardship ensures that the estate's story keeps being written.